Bran Castle – Romania

Bran Castle is a fortress located in central Romania along the border of historic regions Transylvania and Wallachia. It is a national monument and landmark. It is also known by some other names including Dracula’s Castle and Bran Fortress. It is situated on a cliff at an elevation of 762 meters and is surrounded by valleys and hills.

An act passed by Louis I of Hungary on November 19, 1377 is known to have first documented the castle. This act gave the Saxons of Kronstadt the privilege to build the stone castle.

Quick Facts: –

The construction of Bran Castle started in 1377 and it was completed in 1382.

The purpose of this castle was to develop important customs-points into Transylvania and to strengthen the Southern borders of the emerging state.

The strength of this fortress was directly linked to the well being of the city of Brasov and also the other way round.

The castle was mortgaged to the town of Brasov in 1500 by King Wladyshaw of the Maygar, then owner of the castle.

The fortress was used as a customs-house by the people of Brasov.

The castle has narrow stairways that lead through the rooms. There are a total of 60 rooms made of timber.

There is a luscious courtyard that is located in the center of the castle.

There is a small chapel on the southern side of the castle wall. It was built in 1940 in memory of Queen Marie.

This structure is an incredible example of Romanian fortitude and heritage, bringing in 500,000 visitors a year.